“Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the―shire Militia removed from Meryton?They must be a great loss to your family.”
On reaching the house,they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house,and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.In this house they were received by Miss Darcy,who was sitting there with Mrs.Hurst and Miss Bingley,and the lady with whom she lived in London. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all the embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved.Mrs.Gardiner and her niece,however, did her justice,and pitied her.